It is not official yet, but 39 year old QB Jeff Garcia is close to signing with the Raiders.

Garcia spent the last couple years with the Tampa Bay Bucs, and proved that he can still play the game well. He would be brought in to be JaMarcus Russells backup, and perhaps fight for the starting job.

This brings in many questions as to the health status of Russell who has surgery on his ankle this offseason. It also makes you wonder if the Raiders are not satisfied with the developement of their future star QB.

Personally, I don't put much stock in the Raiders not being happy with Russell so much as they would like to bring in a veteran guy to show him how to elevate his game to the highest level. Russell, will need to learn how to be the leader of this team, and his work habits will have to be improved in order to gain that success. Garcia is just the guy to push him in that direction, or push for his job, which should force Russell to step it up. Either way, Russell is going to have to prove to everyone that he deserves to be the starter.

This also gives us a solid backup to take over if Russell gets hurt, or struggles, along with help develope Gradkowski who will fall to third on the QB depth chart.

I would also have to say that QB Andrew Walter will most likely be dropped in the near future.

In other news, the Raiders resigned linebacker Sam Williams, who was drafted by the Raiders in the 3rd round 83rd overall in 2003. Williams was projected to be a star in this league, but he has been plagued with injuries and inconsistant play. He will fight for the last starting spot at the outside linebacker position, with Ricky Brown and Jon Alston. Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are already set at the other two spots.

Also brought in from the free agent market is DT Ryan Boschetti. Boschetti was a backup with the Washington Redskins, but he brings with him a great level of energy and drive. I would bet that his signing is to show Gerrard Warren and Terdell Sands how to bring their intensity level up.

On the rumor front, I heard a pretty far fetched one about RB Michael Bush and a 2nd round pick going to Cincy for WR Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson. Like I said, it is pretty far fetched, and I wouldn't put much stock in it, but I felt that it was interesting enough to talk about.

Those of you within the Raider faithful I'm sure have a variety of ideas about what the Raiders should do about the WR position, and my question to you is, how should we address that need?

Trade for a bonified star WR?

Get one in the draft?

Pick up a veteran like Holt or Harrison in free agency?

Or, leave it alone, and hope that we can get some production out of Walker, Schilens and Higgins?

I would also like to hear some thoughts on the Raiders going after Jeff Garcia.